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Dates & Prices

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Prices are in US Dollars (USD), before taxes (if applicable) - All pricing reflects per-person Land Only expenses, however, we can book flights from virtually every city. Please call us for an air quote.

Start Date

End Date

Price

More Info

Sun 02 Apr 2017

Thu 20 Apr 2017

$4740 USD

Sun 24 Sep 2017

Thu 12 Oct 2017

$4740 USD

Sun 01 Apr 2018

Thu 19 Apr 2018

$4740 USD

Sun 23 Sep 2018

Thu 11 Oct 2018

$4740 USD

Optional Single Supplement: $1110 USD (number of singles limited).

Tour Overview

Full Itinerary

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Day 1Arrive in DelhiToday we arrive in Delhi. The name Delhi, Dehali or Dilli is derived form Dhillika, the name of the first medieval township of Delhi, located on the southwestern border of the present Union Territory of Delhi, in Mehrauli. This was the first in the series of seven medieval cities, also known as Yoginipura, the Fortress of the Yoginis (female divinities).

NOTE: Due to variables such as festival dates, internal flights, and ever-changing entry (visa) requirements, our published tour dates and / or itinerary can shift right up to departure. As such, we will not accept any LAND ONLY bookings for this tour. Booking your air with Adventures Abroad offers you protection from the possible costs and complications associated with tour changes. Exceptions to this rule will only be granted to those passengers who are willing to fully accept the risks of booking their own air tickets given the above circumstances.

Overnight in Delhi.Meal plan: Dinner

Day 2Delhi - Leh: Area TourEarly this morning we transfer to the domestic terminal of the airport for the flight up to Leh (3524 m / 11,562 ft). This surely is one of the most sensational scheduled flights in the world, taking you right over the top of the Greater Himalaya before dropping down to the small airport at Leh. We will be met on arrival and embark on our day of sightseeing.

Leh is very Tibetan in many respects; the national dress, 'stove-pipe' hats and felt boots with turned-up toes are much in evidence. The Royal Palace which dominates the town is very reminiscent of the Potala in Lhasa and Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, large chortens, prayer flags and mud brick houses with flat roofs are a dramatic culture change from the hot, teeming frenetic rush of Delhi.

The balance of the day is flexible due to the dramatic change of altitude and the importance of acclimatization. Your Tour Leader will likely suggest a walking tour to Leh's colourful markets.

Note: The actual order of Leh area sightseeing may vary due to weather and other logistical considerations. The above may actually be modified at the discretion of your Tour Leader, with Leh area sightseeing spaced out to take into account the sudden change in elevation.

Overnight in Leh.Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3Leh: Palaces & GompasWe visit Sankar Gompa (monastery), the one nearest to Leh. This gompa belongs to the Gelukpa order and houses a beautiful impression of the Buddhist deity, Avolokiteshwara Padmahari with a thousand arms and heads. The hill offers excellent views of Leh, parts of the Indus River Valley and the imposing 6100 m (20,100 ft) high peak of Stok Kangri that overlooks Leh. Not far is the Peace Stupa on a hill commanding superb views of the town and the Indus Valley.

We also visit Leh Palace. This captivating building rises from the edge of a hill overlooking the town. Built in the 17th C, Leh Palace was occupied by the Ladakhi royal family until the 1830's. Today the palace is deserted and is being restored by UNESCO.

Our next stop is Shey Palace, the old 'summer palace' of the kings of Ladakh, built about 550 years ago by Lhachen Palgyigon, the first king of Ladakh. It stands next to the remains of a larger construction on the east side of a hill, which runs southeast towards the Indus. From the palace you can see over the fertile Indus plain northeast to Tikse Gompa and over the Indus to the Zanskar mountain range.

AUTUMN DEPARTURE ONLY: At some point during our stay in the Leh area, we will have a jeep tour up the hairpins of the Nubra Valley road to the Khardung La Pass (5470 m/18,400 feet) -- the highest vehicular accessible pass in the world (inaccessible in spring due to snow). The views of the Zanskar Range and the Indus Valley on the way up are amazing as are frequent sightings of yaks on the high pastures below the pass. The road to the pass that crosses the Ladakh Range and provides access to the Nubra Valley and the Karakoram region was built at great human and financial cost by the Indian Army following frequent incursions into the area by the Chinese Army following the occupation of Tibet in the late 1950's.

Overnight in Leh.Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4Leh: Alchi & LikirToday's sightseeing features an excursion across the arid and high plateau to Alchi, one of the largest ancient monastic complexes and an important Buddhist centre in all of Ladakh. Founded in the 11th century by Rinchen Zhangpo, one of the early Tibetan preachers who spread Lamaistic Buddhism to this part of the world, Alchi is undergoing major restoration work under UN sponsorship. The 1000-year-old paintings inside the main temple are some of the oldest of their kind and quite distinct from the murals present in the later built gompas.

On our return to Leh we will stop to see the location where the grey waters of the Indus meet the blue waters of the Zanskar River flowing from the remote Zanskar region of the Greater Himalaya. We will also visit Likir Gompa set on an isolated ridge. This magnificent gompa, overlooking the village of Likir, was founded in the 14th century and belongs to the Yellow Hat Sect. The head lama here is the younger brother of the Dalai Lama.

Overnight in Leh.Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5Leh - Hemis Gompa - LehEarly this morning we head east along the Indus Valley toward Hemis Gompa, dramatically hidden in a cleft the mountains. Here we find a gigantic thangka, one of the largest in the world, and the largest and one of the most important in Ladakh. It was founded about 350 years ago by Stagtshang Rinchen, who was invited to Ladakh by King Singe Namgyal, founded it about 350 years ago.

We return to Leh, making a stop at Stok Gompa, dating back to the 14th century. As we enter the verandah of the monastery, we come across bright friezes depicting the Guardians of the Four Directions. The Dukhang of the monastery displays a rich collection of banners and thangkas. One of the major attractions of the Stok Monastery its library, which boasts a complete set of the Kandshur, the 108 volumes of the Buddha's teachings.

Overnight in Leh.Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6Leh - DelhiToday we fly from Leh to Delhi.

If time permits while connecting in Delhi, we may have some sightseeing on arrival.

Overnight in Delhi (likely an airport area hotel).Meal plan: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 7Delhi, India - Paro, Bhutan - ThimphuToday we fly to Paro and continue by road (65 km / 40 miles) to Thimphu. The drive takes 2 hours and en route we pass Tamchog Lhakhang, a bridge built by Thangtong Gyalpo, an iron bridge builder and saint from the 14th /15th century who introduced the art of building suspension bridges with iron chains.

Thimphu, the Bhutanese capital (2320 m / 7,609 feet), is situated on a broad green valley surrounded by terraced rice fields. This town of about 40,000 people built along traditional lines is the administrative centre of Bhutan and was only established in the 1950s. The main street of Thimphu, Norzim Lam, is lined with shops of all descriptions mainly stocking goods imported from India and China. This is the only capital in the world where there are no traffic lights, only three roundabouts, and police boxes decorated with drago

Bhutan's official name, 'Druk Yul', means the 'Land of the Thunder Dragon', which is officially portrayed on the country's flag. Bhutan is perhaps the least modernised and most mysterious country in South Asia and remains very cautious in its contact with the outside world. The flow of tourists into the country is regulated and the government makes great efforts to preserve and strengthen the country's religious and cultural traditions.

Overnight in Thimphu.Meal plan: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 8Thimphu Area & Annual Festival Today we drive to the impressive Tashicho Dzong (which we may be allowed to enter), the traditional summer capital of Bhutan and now the seat of the Bhutanese government. The present building is a rebuilt version of a dzong or monastery-fortress that was erected here by Nawang Namgyal in 1641 and it retains many of the features of the old dzong. It is now an impressive sight and it houses all the government deparments and ministries, the throne room of the King, the National Assembly chambers and the nation's largest monastery with over 2000 monks in residence.

OUR FALL 2016 DEPARTURE coincides with the Thimphu Tsechu, an annual festival held at the Tashichho Dzong. The Tsechu reflects the deeply rooted religious sentiments of the people. For three days various types of masked dances are performed. Many depict the story of good triumphing over evil, the day of judgmenmatrimonifidelity.

Today's journey takes us deep into the heart of Bhutan. The drive will give you an insight into a medieval way of life that has changed little over the centuries. Modern development has brought better education, health care and electricity to these remote areas but the local small farm-based economy that has kept the local people self sufficient over the years is largely unchanged.

Located at a relatively low altitude of 1300 m (4,265 feet) in a rainshadow, the Punakha Valley produces most of the oranges and fruits grown commercially in Bhutan. Despite the warmer climate and the possibility of growing an endless variety of produce, the population of the valley remains remarkably low. Until very recently, Punakha remained the winter capital of Bhutan (there is only one capital now, Thimphu), and it is still the winter headquarters of the Head Abbott (Je Khempo) and his monks who move here every winter.

On arrival we will visit Punakha Dzong. This Dzong was built strategically at the junction of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers in 1637 to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region. It was damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, however it has been fully restored by the present King (please note that the Dzong is frequently closed witut notice.

Overnight in Punakha.Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10Punakha - ParoToday we travel by road back to Paro, set in what is considered to be the most beautiful of the main valleys (2280 m / 7,500 feet). The dominant feature of Paro is undoubtedly the Paro Dzong set above the glacial Paro Chu River. It is a particularly important and historic dzong having played a part in Bhutan's history since it was first constructed. On arrival we will check into our hotel.

Overnight in Paro.Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 11Paro: Area Sightseeing The charming town of Paro lies on the banks of the Paro (or Pa) Chhu, just a short distance northwest of the imposing Paro Dzong. The main street, only built in 1985, is lined with colourfully painted wooden shop fronts and restaurants, though these appear under threat as the town grows and multistorey concrete buildings continue to propagate. For now Paro remains one of the best Bhutanese towns to explore on foot and is worth an hour or two's stroll at the end of a day of sightseeing.

During our time in Paro we will visit the National Museum of Bhutan which displays thangkas, artifacts, costumes, stamps (even 'talking stamps'), and objects from archaeological excavations. Located further up the valley is the famed Takstang or 'Tiger's Nest' monastery which burned down in 1998. The monastery has been rebuilt and you will have the option today to drive to a viewpoint in the valley from where you can see Takstang high up on the cliff opposite.

OUR SPRING 2017 TRIP will coincide with the annual Paro Festival (dates tentative). Only a few Westerners have enjoyed the fascinating 'Tsechus' of Bhutan. The Tsechus are Buddhist religious festivals where masked dances depicting the events from the life of Padmasambhava, the eighth century Nyingmapa Buddhist teacher, are staged. The Tsechu provides the local populace with a wonderful occasion to gather, dress up, and enjoy in a convivial light-hearted atmosphere. It is also an occasion to renew their faith and receive blessings by watching the sacred dances or receiving 'empowerment' from a lama or Buddhist monk. The dances are performed by trained monks wearing ornate costumes and impressive ma. Once our Fall 2016 tour departs, this document will be updated with a re-ordering of our overnight points and (possibly) a shift of dates in order to coincide with the festival.

Overnight in Paro.Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 12Paro - Phuntsholing Today we travel by road southward to the roadside village of Bunakha where we stop for lunch. The road continues to wind south over the southern foothills, through lush forested valleys and around the rugged north-south ridges of the inner Himalaya. It is a scenic journey; forests festooned with orchids cover the mountains on either side and exciting hairpin curves greet us with colourful sculptures of Tashi Tagye (eight special Tibetan symbols that reflect the teachings of the Buddha).

We continue descending the lower Himalayan hills to the border town of Phuntsholing, a fascinating mixture of Bhutanese and Indian and a lively centre for mingling peoples, languages, costumes and goods (150 km / 94 miles, +/-6 hours).

Here an unending stretch of virgin forests is crisscrossed by the River Teesta and its innumerable tributaries. Roads cut through deep forests, rich with wildlife. Mauve hills host wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, tribal settlements and valleys carpeted with tea gardens.Today we travel to Darjeeling, surrounded by tea plantations on the lower hills.

Driving close beside the narrow gauge Darjeeling Hill Railway drawn by century old steam engines, we reach the halfway point of Kurseong where we stop for a tea break before driving to Ghoom at about 2400 m (8,000 feet). There is a descent into the busy town of Darjeeling (2134 m / 7,000 feet).

Darjeeling or 'the place of the thunderbolt' and the surrounding area once belonged to the rulers of Sikkim. In 1833 the British gained control of the hill on which Darjeeling stands after considerable political manoeuvring in return for a small annual payment to the King of Sikkim. It soon grew to a popular health resort after a pony road and some houses were built and tea growing introduced. Later in the 19th century, the remarkable mountain railway from the plains was built and Darjeeling boomed as a resort and holiday destination for the British bureaucracy wanting an escape to cooler climates. Built on a crescent shaped ridge, Darjeeling faces the Himalayan peaks and is surrounded by cultivated slopes, thick forests and tea plantations.

Overnight in Darjeeling.Meal plan: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 14Darjeeling AreaToday we tour the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute; the small zoo beside it has several interesting Himalayan species including snow leopards and red pandas. The institute itself houses a considerable collection of items used by the early Everest explorers and also has a fine topographical model of the Eastern Himalaya. Later we drive to a nearby tea plantation for which this region is famous and see the picking and processing of tea leaves.

We will also visit the Tibetan Refugee and Handicraft Centre where Tibetan refugees live cooperatively and their children attend school while their parents work on wool making, carpet weaving, and handicraft production.

The rest of the day is free to browse the 'Chowrasta' or town square and explore the well-known Oxford Book Shop with its excellent collection of books on the history and cultures of the Himalaya. You could also walk down to the Lower Bazaar where the local residents shop for produce, fabrics and spices.

Overnight in Darjeeling.Meal plan: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 15Darjeeling - Gangtok (Sikkim)We have an early departure for our steep descent through a series of tea plantations to the tropical Teesta Valley. Passing through sal forests and cinchona (quinine bark) plantations, we stop briefly at the Teesta Bridge checkpoint to show our Sikkim entry documents before continuing onwards to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim.

Located in the Eastern Himalaya, Sikkim forms a natural border between Nepal to the west and Bhutan to the east. To the north lies Tibet and to the south the Teesta and Ringgit rivers form a natural boundary with the Indian state of West Bengal; to the east lies the Kingdom of Bhutan separated by a tongue of Chinese controlled Tibet.

The climate is subtropical in the lower valleys, but changing fast to temperate and alpine with increase in elevation. Mixed forests of bamboo and dozens of orchid species are common between 1500-3000 m (5,000-9,850 feet) -- 660 varieties of orchids are known to grow in Sikkim. The cardamom spice is a cash crop that grows wild extensively around Yuksum and Phodang.

Later today we will visit the Institute of Cottage Industries where young Sikkimese people are taught traditional crafts. There is a sales centre attached for a number of local handicrafts, most with a strong Tibetan look to them. Woollen carpets, shawls and traditionally painted tables are good buys, all at government regulated prices.

Day 16Gangtok Area - MartamThis morning we will visit the Enchey Monastery, located on the ridge top above the town; the present building dates from 1909 though the monastery itself is over 200 years old. Also visited is the Institute of Tibetology which was established in 1958 as a major centre for research on Tibet and Tibetan Lamaistic Buddhism. It houses many rare books, thangkas, statues and manuscripts smuggled out of Tibet after the Chinese occupation. We will also visit the permanent 'Flower Show' that exhibits a number of native Sikkimese orchid and flower species.

We also visit Rumtek Monastery, located on the opposite side of the valley from Gangtok. Rumtek is the seat of the Tibetan Kagyugpa sect of monks and a major centre for Tibetan religious studies. The 16th Gwalpa Karmapa, the head of the Kagyugpa sect, took refuge in Rumtek after the Chinese invasion of Tibet in the 1950's; he and his followers escaped with whatever statues, 'thangka' paintings and scriptures they could and built Rumtek Monastery as a replica of the Chhofuk Monastery that they had left behind in Tibet.

We continue for a further 10 km (6 miles) to Martam village (1450 m / 4,428 feet) where we stay in comfortable cottages built in the local style with impressive views over a quiet valley of terraced rice paddies. The nearby village and the school offer a glimpse of an idyllic lifestyle in a perfect rural setting.

Overnight in Martam.Meal plan: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 17Martam - KalimpongA scenic drive past forest covered slopes and fast flowing rivers to Kalimpong (1250 m / 4,100 feet), an important market town located strategically at the crossroads of Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal and Bengal until the 1960s when the Indo-China war put an end to cross border trade. It is now well known for its numerous flower and orchid nurseries.

We stay in the Himalayan Hotel, run by Tim MacDonald, grandson of the Tibetan explorer David MacDonald, who accompanied many of the early British Younghusband expeditions to Tibet around the turn of the century. The MacDonald family home is something of a museum to the early exploration of this part of the Himalaya; its 16 rooms decorated with memorabilia donated by notable Himalayan explorers who have stayed at the hotel over the years. The main house was built in the 1920s and has a mature garden with dozens of varieties of flowering trees and shrubs and views of the Himalaya from the verandahs.

Overnight in Kalimpong.Meal plan: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 18Kalimpong Area - SiliguriToday we visit the historic home of Dr Graham and the extensive boarding and day school facility that was established over a century ago. We will see its classrooms and boarding houses to get an idea how students of both sexes from all over India and neighbouring countries like Bhutan spend their days during the study year. There is an Anglican church with fine stained glass windows nearby, and you can also visit one of the flower nurseries for which Kalimpong is well known across India.

After our sightseeing we'll travel the short distance to Siliguri for our overnight.

Overnight in Siliguri.Meal plan: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 19Kalimpong - Bagdogra - DepartThis morning we drive to Bagdogra and connect with homeward flights.

BON VOYAGE!Meal plan: Breakfast

Tour Map

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*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.

Hotel List

The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.

Rating: Location: DelhiCountry: IndiaCrowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla is an ideal abode for a comfortable and affordable stay. Rated as five-star hotel, it ...an integral part of prestigious hotel group called Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts. The hotel is beautifully nestled at the capital city with amidst of commercial and entertainment hubs of South Delhi. As the travel vacationer, you won't have any difficulty in reaching out at this wonderful property as it is not so far from national and international airports. You will be welcomed here with typical Indian hospitality by the courteous staff.

Rating: Location: DarjeelingCountry: IndiaThe Himalayan Hotel is a stone built, two story family hotel located a short distance from the centre of town ...surrounded by spacious gardens. The hotel has excellent views of Kanchenjunga and the surrounding mountain ranges. 16 rooms, most with their own fire-places, attached bathrooms with running hot and cold water, fitted with showers.

Rating: Location: LehCountry: IndiaThe Spic n Span is a new hotel constructed with traditional Ladakhi architecture with all modern facilities. It is located ...the heart of Leh town easily accessible to main market. Rooms: 35 well-furnished double rooms with attached bath with hot and cold shower.

Trip Information

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Inclusions

Breakfast and dinner are included daily; all meals included in Bhutan. Evening meals on tour will be taken mostly at hotels. In some locales we endeavour to break up the buffet dinners with a meal at a local restaurant but, overall, the imperatives of hygiene and quality dictate hotel meals. All transport, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees are included for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary. Gratuities for drivers, restaurant staff, porters, local guides. Airport transfers for land & air customers arriving / departing on tour dates.

"Visa Fees" are not included in the tour cost; we list these separately as they can change without notice. For HM6, these nominal fees include the cost of your Bhutan pre-clearance, Sikkim permit.

Seasonality and Weather

LADAKH, due to its unique geographical characteristics, is cold in winter, cool in summer and generally dry. Sunlight is extremely intense. The thin air neither blocks nor holds heat so sunshine feels warm, shadows chilly, and temperatures can vary greatly within a day, exceeding 29C (84F) in summer, and plunging below 4C (40F) the same night. Rainfall occurs intermittently between May-Sep, bringing moisture to barley fields and greenery to the valleys. The most pleasant months for tourism are from Mar-Oct.

SIKKIM/DARJEELING: Temperatures may fall as low as 0 C (32 F) at night (particularly in Darjeeling) and reach as high as 25 C (76 F) during the day. You can expect it to be on average 15-20 C during the day in the hills. We travel between Sept and March to avoid the Indian Monsoon though rain is possible at any time.

BHUTAN: The Monsoon occurs between Jun & Aug. Outside that time days are usually very pleasant (10C/50F) with clear skies and sunshine. Nights are cold. Oct/Nov, Mar-mid June are the best times to visit -rainfall is at a minimum and temperatures are conducive to active days of sightseeing. Delhi experiences three seasons: summer (March to June), monsoon (July to mid September) and winter (October to February). April through June is peak summer time and temperatures hover near 110 F/40 C and can go even higher.

YOU WILL EXPERIENCE TEMPERATURE EXTREMES ON THIS TOUR. BE PREPARED FOR INTENSE SUN AND SOME VERY CHILLY CONDITIONS.

Our departures coincide with festivals in Bhutan. The Tsechu (festival) reflects the deeply rooted religious sentiments of the people. Various types of masked dances are performed. Many depict the story of good triumphing over evil, the day of judgment, matrimonial fidelity etc.

Transport and Travel Conditions

Land transportation is via private bus or Land Cruiser type vehicle depending on group size and / or conditions. Air conditioning / heat in vehicles is generally not available in this part of the world. Road conditions are generally quite poor and can be bumpy, and as with all mountain roads the occasional delay can occur due to landslides or adverse weather conditions. The roads are also quite twisty on the mountain sections; if you suffer from travel sickness you should bring your usual remedy.

THIS IS A TRIP FOR THE HARDY
This tour does not feature any hiking or camping, but it can be considered strenuous due to the fact that it is very busy: you must be prepared for some early starts, be steady on your feet, and be able to endure some heat / cold and long travel days at high altitudes. We have numerous walking tours and visit several sites that are LARGE with steps and uneven surfaces.

ALL PASSENGERS will require a medical questionnaire to be signed by his/her physician indicating that the traveller is fit to travel on such a journey. Those with pre-existing conditions that could be exacerbated by travel at high altitude or on poor roads, or persons with compromised immune systems and mobility problems, should carefully consider their participation.

Accommodation

We will be staying in hotels with private bathrooms, and there will be hot water, though in more remote areas this may only be available in the morning and evening. Few of the hotels are centrally heated, although coal fires can sometimes be provided in the bedrooms at a small extra cost. Generally hotels are comfortable and often spectacularly located, though simple with quirks that can range from charming to frustrating. Single rooms are limited and possibly smaller than twins. Porters are generally available (see 'Inclusions').

Staff and Support

Tour Leader throughout, local drivers, local guides at various locations.